Bill Would Set New Requirements For Third Party Candidates

Ohio senators have cleared a bill that would set new requirements for third parties to appear on ballots in the swing state.

Representatives of the Green and Libertarian parties oppose the measure, which passed on a 22-11 vote Tuesday. It now goes to the House.

The American Civil Liberties Union told lawmakers that the proposals' petition requirements are onerous for third parties. Plus, the legal organization says the changes come too close to Ohio's 2014 statewide elections.

Sponsoring Sen. Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, said the bill establishes new rules for minor parties following a court's rejection of Ohio's previous law.

The proposal comes as Ohio Republicans face growing competition from tea party supporters who say they may support a third-party challenger to Gov. John Kasich next year.